Tight end Pat Freiermuth is the Steelers nominee for the 12th annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, presented to a player for their on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.
The award was created in 2014 to honor Art Rooney Sr., the founder of the Steelers and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
One player from every team is nominated for the award, and eight finalists, four in each conference, will be selected by members of the NFL Legends Community.
"Sportsmanship is the core of the game, the vanguard of public confidence, the keeper of game integrity," said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations. "These Rooney Sportsmanship Award nominees exemplify the spirit of fair play and the values of respect, integrity, commitment to team and resiliency at the highest level of competition."
Current players will have the final say when the eight finalists appear on their Pro Bowl ballot under NFL Sportsmanship Award. The winner is announced during NFL Honors.
The award was named after Rooney because of the class he brought to the NFL and his approach that always had sportsmanship at the forefront.
